Bryston SP3 Preamp-Processor

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by nicoff

On Post #1294 he said that he connected it both ways:
1) analog from the Ayre to the balance analog of the SP3; and 2) digital (HDMI) to the SP3.

Thanks. But I will take 5.1 channels of PCM 176.4 over 2 channel DSD any day.

[dbphd]

IIRC, the SP3 doesn't accept DSD.

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by dbphd

IIRC, the SP3 doesn't accept DSD.

Hi

Yes it does now with the new USB board which includes a new DAC

james

[moonhawk]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

Hi

Yes it does now with the new USB board which includes a new DAC

james

How does the new DAC compare to the original? Is there any sonic improvement/degradation?

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by moonhawk

How does the new DAC compare to the original? Is there any sonic improvement/degradation?

HI

The new 'USB' board has a DAC for DSD as well as PCM but it is not part of the other inputs like COAX and HDMI - they still have the original SP3 DAC.

james

[moonhawk]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

HI

The new 'USB' board has a DAC for DSD as well as PCM but it is not part of the other inputs like COAX and HDMI - they still have the original SP3 DAC.

james

Got it--thanks!

[dbphd]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

HI

The new 'USB' board has a DAC for DSD as well as PCM but it is not part of the other inputs like COAX and HDMI - they still have the original SP3 DAC.

james

I connect an Ayre DX-5 DSD to the SP3 via balanced analog, using the Ayre DAC process, and via HDMI, using the Bryston DAC process. The analog cables are Cardas Clear Light; the HDMI cable is, perhaps foolishly if bits are bits, Audioquest Diamond. I enjoy CDs, SACDs, BDs, and Roon via USB to the Ayre. Would the new USB board add any value for my applications?

db

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

HI

The new 'USB' board has a DAC for DSD as well as PCM but it is not part of the other inputs like COAX and HDMI - they still have the original SP3 DAC.

james

I must say the original USB input on the SP3 which is limited to PCM 44.1/16 sounds damn good. I started using it when I got my BDP-2. While most times I use the balanced digital input, I find some recordings benefit from using the digital USB input. Owning a couple of thousands CDs which have been imported to .aiff files, I am in heaven. Bryston got it right originally, but everyone was freaking out over hi res. While its nice to listen to hi res, the reality is that this is a 44.1/16 world which the SP3 plays back as a reference standard; very natural sounding.

[dbphd]

Originally Posted by dbphd

I connect an Ayre DX-5 DSD to the SP3 via balanced analog, using the Ayre DAC process, and via HDMI, using the Bryston DAC process. I enjoy CDs, SACDs, BDs, and Roon via USB to the Ayre. Would the new USB board add any value for my applications?

James, My previous post may not have made it clear that the USB connection for Roon is between an iMac and the Ayre; I do not use the SP3 USB input. But my question remains: Would the new USB board add any value for my applications, and if so, how do I get it?

db

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by dbphd

James, My previous post may not have made it clear that the USB connection for Roon is between an iMac and the Ayre; I do not use the SP3 USB input. But my question remains: Would the new USB board add any value for my applications, and if so, how do I get it?



db

I do not own the SP3 but likely will in near future. I imagine the new USB board would only be helpful to you if you want to hook up a USB input directly to the SP3 and play DSD files you have downloaded to your computer or server. I don’t have any knowledge regarding PCM sample rate compatibility on the new usb board.